Word
Definitions
01physically bendable
B1 · Intermediate
adj. able to bend easily without breaking.
adj. capable of being flexed, turned, or twisted without structural failure.
日本語:柔軟※
“The gymnast used a flexible mat to protect her joints during the routine.”
“Modern aerospace engineering relies on flexible composite materials that can withstand significant aerodynamic pressure without fracturing.”
02adaptable to change
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. able to change or be changed easily to suit new situations.
adj. capable of being adapted or modified to meet varying conditions or requirements.
日本語:柔軟※
“My boss is very flexible about which hours I work as long as the job gets done.”
“The software architecture was designed to be flexible, allowing developers to integrate third-party modules without rewriting the core codebase.”
Teaching tip
This is the most common sense in professional and academic contexts, often describing schedules, plans, or mindsets.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03easily influenced
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. willing to change your mind or do what others want.
adj. prone to yielding to the influence or will of others; not obstinate.
日本語:柔軟※
Español:flexible
“He has a flexible personality and usually agrees with whatever the group decides.”
“The negotiator was criticized for being too flexible on key policy points, leading to a compromise that satisfied neither party.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of firm principles.
04a flexible object
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical
n. an object or material that is able to bend.
n. a substance or structural element characterized by its ability to flex.
“The plumber replaced the rigid pipe with a plastic flexible to allow for movement.”
“The specifications required the installation of high-grade flexibles to accommodate the thermal expansion of the industrial heating system.”
Usage
Used primarily in engineering or manufacturing contexts.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flexible” in context.
Verb
01. become flexible
“With regular practice, your muscles will eventually become more flexible.”
verb + adj
02. remain flexible
“It is important to remain flexible during the first week of the project.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. flexible about
“My manager is quite flexible about my start time as long as I finish my work.”
adj + prep
04. flexible enough to
“You need to be flexible enough to adapt when things don't go according to plan.”
adj + infinitive
05. highly flexible
“The new software is highly flexible and can be customized to meet any user's needs.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. flexible approach
“We need to take a flexible approach to the negotiations to reach an agreement.”
adj + noun
07. flexible schedule
“Having a flexible schedule allows me to go to the gym during the day when it is quiet.”
adj + noun
08. flexible working hours
“Many parents prefer jobs with flexible working hours to better manage childcare.”
adj + noun
09. appreciation flexible
Real-World Examples
“It forces your ankle, knee and hip joints to quickly adjust their movements, keeping them engaged and flexible.” “Samsung has largely defined the foldable phone category, but it’s no longer alone in releasing flexible devices.” “Their long chains contain stiff sections that pack together, and flexible sections that stretch.” “This suggests pet talk is more flexible than baby talk.” Etymology
From Middle French flexible, from Latin flexibilis, from flectō (“to bend, curve”). Morphologically flex + -ible.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/flexible
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0